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- 2 cups uncooked basmati rice - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 medium cucumber, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved Gather these ingredients before you start. The basmati rice forms the base of this dish. The chicken breasts add protein and flavor. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the dish balanced. For the tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt gives it a rich texture. The cucumber adds crunch and freshness. Garlic brings in a punch of flavor, making the sauce delicious. Fresh dill gives the dish a bright taste. Lemon juice adds a zesty kick. Cherry tomatoes bring a splash of color and sweetness. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. You can find the full recipe above for all the details. - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large baking dish, add: - 2 cups uncooked basmati rice - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Stir gently to combine the rice and broth. - Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice. - Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano. - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step traps steam to cook the rice and chicken. - Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. - After 40 minutes, remove the foil. Check if the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Also, check that the rice is tender. - If needed, return it to the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes. - While the chicken and rice bake, prepare the tzatziki sauce. - In a medium bowl, combine: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 medium cucumber, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon salt - A dash of black pepper - Mix until smooth. Stir well to blend all the flavors. To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This step keeps your chicken juicy and safe to eat. If you find the chicken is not cooking evenly, check the size of your chicken breasts. Smaller pieces cook faster than larger ones. When it comes to fluffing rice, use a fork. After baking, let the rice sit for five minutes. Then, gently lift and separate the grains. This step makes your rice light and fluffy, not sticky. For a stunning presentation, you can add fresh vegetables. Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dill brighten up your dish. Serve the chicken and rice family-style right in the baking dish. This makes for a relaxed meal. Pair your Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice with a Greek salad. A side of roasted vegetables also works well. These options add color and nutrients to your meal. If you want lower calorie alternatives, consider using skinless chicken thighs. They are flavorful and slightly lower in calories. You can also swap out white basmati rice for brown rice or quinoa. These grains provide more fiber and nutrients. For dietary restrictions, try dairy-free yogurt in the tzatziki. This keeps the creaminess without dairy. If you're avoiding carbs, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Each of these swaps helps you stay on track with your meal goals. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of this dish easily. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint. They give a bright note to the meal. You can also add spices like paprika or cumin for warmth. If you have other veggies, toss them in too. Bell peppers and zucchini add color and crunch. You can even mix in spinach for added nutrition. If you want a different protein, turkey works great. Use ground turkey for a fun twist. You can also try tofu for a vegetarian option. Just press it to remove water and cube it before baking. Chickpeas are another tasty choice. They add protein and a nice texture. You can swap basmati rice for quinoa. Quinoa cooks quickly and is high in protein. Cauliflower rice is another healthy option. It’s low-carb and adds a nice crunch. If you prefer brown rice, use it! Just remember it may need more cooking time. Adjust the liquid as needed to keep it moist. Store any leftover Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down first before sealing the container. This way, you avoid any extra moisture that can make it soggy. To freeze this dish safely, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, warm it in the oven or microwave until hot. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving. Meal prepping can save you time on busy days. You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time. Just follow the recipe until the baking step. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. For quick meals, portion out the leftovers into single servings. This makes it easy to grab and heat up whenever you need. Enjoy your easy, healthy meals! If you need a Greek yogurt substitute, consider these options: - Sour cream: It has a similar texture and tangy flavor. - Plain yogurt: Regular yogurt works well, but it may be thinner. - Silken tofu: Blend it to get a creamy texture for a dairy-free option. - Cashew cream: Soak cashews and blend for a rich, vegan alternative. These choices fit different diets and keep your dish tasty. Cooking time for chicken depends on weight and thickness. - For boneless, skinless breasts, cook for about 40 minutes at 375°F (190°C). - Thicker pieces may need an extra 5-10 minutes. - Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe and juicy. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. - Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish. - Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. - When ready to cook, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. This makes meal planning easy and convenient. To complement this dish, try these sides: - A fresh Greek salad: It adds crunch and brightness. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are great options. - Pita bread: Serve with tzatziki for dipping. - Lemon wedges: They add a nice zing to the meal. These sides balance flavors and enhance your dining experience. This blog post shared a simple, tasty way to make Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice. We covered the main ingredients, including basmati rice and boneless chicken. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. I shared tips for cooking and serving, plus variations to keep things exciting. In the end, this dish is flexible and healthy. You can easily customize it. Use what you have on hand to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice

Savor the ease of a delicious dinner with this Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Rice recipe! This one-pan meal combines juicy chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and creamy tzatziki for a refreshing twist. Perfect for busy evenings, it requires minimal prep and packs amazing flavors. Ready in just 55 minutes, it’s sure to impress your family.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups uncooked basmati rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 medium cucumber, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large baking dish, add the uncooked basmati rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir gently to combine.

      Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano.

        Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil; this will trap steam to cook the rice and chicken.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

            While the chicken and rice are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir until well combined.

              After 40 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and check if the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the rice is tender. If needed, return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

                Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving.

                  To serve, fluff the rice with a fork and plate the rice and chicken topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and red onion. Drizzle tzatziki sauce generously over the chicken and rice.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish family-style in the baking dish, garnished with extra dill and a few cucumber slices for added freshness.